In partnership since 2012, Auckland City FC and the Butterfly Trust have together raised nearly $7,000 over the past four years for education and relief projects in Vanuatu.
The Butterfly Trust supports developing world communities to attain improved standards of living by facilitating access to education and primary health.
In doing so, the Trust seeks to transform the lives of countless men, women and children struggling to survive and grow under impoverished circumstances in many parts of the world today.
Auckland City FC has also committed donations of football kit to Vanuatu that includes playing strips, equipment, balls and boots.
Spokesman Steve Vuksich said the fund raiser was key to how the club perceives itself within the context of the Oceania football community.
“Last time we raised $1,100.00 NZD via a match day raffle and this year we’ve approached the same mark.
“On top of that, the club has donated $4,000.00 NZD over the past few seasons as well as the playing kit donations.
“Auckland City FC takes its role as a member club of the Oceania Football Confederation seriously and believes part of that responsibility means lending a hand where necessary.
“Our club has a long tradition of signing players from countries like Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea which only serves to strengthen our commitment to making a difference in those communities,” Vuksich said.
Butterfly Trust representative Vijay Satyanand was happy with the commitment made by Auckland City FC.
“The Butterfly Trust is delighted to be involved with Auckland City FC for not only the professionalism the club shows in its dealings with us but its well-run organisation and great family spirit.
“We know that the children and people of Vanuatu appreciate the actual support in terms of the football gear the club donates because they’re absolutely mad-keen on football.
“Auckland City FC’s act of generosity also brings forward a useful message when the football kit is being distributed because the recipients combine that with a healthy message about playing sport that they put into their everyday lives.
“Auckland City FC has a profound influence in relief work in Vanuatu and as an organisation the Butterfly Trust thanks the club again and we hope to continue our association long into the future,” he said.
Last year, Auckland City FC player Takuya Iwata donated 14 hampers of football kit from Japan to schools in Suva during lthe 2016 OFC Champions League.
In previous seasons, Auckland City FC has also made similar contributions to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea football communities.
Auckland City FC ended its ASB Premiership regular season campaign with a 4-1 win over WaiBOP United on Sunday creating a new record of 27 games undefeated and another record of the highest points tally ever attained in a 14-game season of 38.
The club also equalled its own record of finishing a regular season campaign undefeated set in 2011-12.

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